Foundational Documents and Principles of American Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering core foundational documents of early U.S. government including the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Brutus 1, and key Federalist Papers (10, 39, 51, 70, and 78).

Declaration of Independence

A document that declares independence from Britain, establishing the principles of natural rights and popular sovereignty.

Natural Rights

God-given rights to be human, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence and Brutus 1.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power of the government comes from the people, existing in both federal and state governments.

Articles of Confederation

The first attempt at an American government which failed because it lacked the power to raise an army and the power to tax.

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist document that argued against the ratification of the Constitution, contending that people would lose their natural rights and states would lose power over the people.

Fed 10

A paper arguing for the ratification of the Constitution and a strong centralized government to control factions through a large representative republic.

Fed 39

An essay explaining a government where federalism divides power between federal and state governments, incorporating republicanism and popular sovereignty at both levels.

Republicanism

A system where the people in both federal and state governments elect officials to represent them.

Fed 51

An essay explaining how the Constitution creates a limited government that is not too powerful by using separation of powers and checks and balances.

Separation of Powers

A structural design where each branch of government has its own designated job.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has the power to make sure the other branches do not become too powerful.

Fed 70

An essay arguing that a single executive should be in charge to provide the energy needed for government effectiveness and to defend against foreign nations.

Fed 78

An essay explaining that an independent judiciary is necessary to protect rights, featuring justices who serve life terms and exercise judicial review.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to declare a law unconstitutional.